Highland Park, IL:
What's you take on J.J. Abrams' ever-expanding list of shows he is becoming connected with? Is he getting too busy to keep my favorite show Alias alive?

Robert Bianco:
All I can say is "let's hope not." Actually, Abrams says that the time he took off from 'Alias' to work on 'Lost' helped him realize that 'Alias' had gone off path - and he's determined to get it back on course. In other words, the show kind of got 'Lost,' if you'll forgive the pun.
Anyway, I have a lot of respect for Abrams as a writer and producer, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that he's going to give us two great shows this season.Memphis, TN:
Robert, I have to admit as someone who doesn't watch that much tv there are several new shows that have me at least interested enough to give them a shot this year. In your experience, how many shows with a good or better pilot tend to payoff (given the course of a year's run) with a consistently good season. In other words how many series that start off good and make it for at least a year maintain or even improve their quality over that first year? (I'm not looking for an exact number obviously just your best percentage guess please).
And what causes good pilots to go bad in general?

Robert Bianco:
That's a tough one. The answer usually depends on the genre - and on the reasons why the pilot works. Serious dramas that produce great pilots generally go on to produce good seasons, because the things that make up a strong drama - like good writing and good acting - usually stay in place. High concept shows, gimmick shows, or shows that depend on splashy effects or tricks, often collapse, because producers seldom get the same amount of time and money that were lavished on the pilot again. Sitcoms can go either way; caper comedies (the kind that try to copy 'Moonlighting') always seem to go south.Orlando, FL:
Am I crazy Robert or is there a palpable trend towards more family oriented shows over the last couple of years? Shows like "Everwood", "American Dreams", "7th Heaven" and "Joan of Arcadia" have done well and this year shows like "Clubhouse" and "Jack and Bobby" look promising. It's a nice trend--I always hated when they put adult themed shows in too early timeslots.

Robert Bianco:
I don't think you're crazy at all. I think there is a move to get a broader audience watching TV together, at least in some of the early time slots. And 'Clubhouse' and 'Jack and Bobby' are both good examples of the mini-trend.Detroit, Michigan:
Robert,
We're you as mystified as I by the Emmys giving William Shatner the prize for guest actor in a drama series (for his narcisstic Denny Lane on "The Practice"), over Martin Landau's searing portrayal as Anthony LaPaglia's Alzheimer's-stricken father (on "Without a Trace")?

Robert Bianco:
It didn't shock me: That Academy loves over-the-top performances, loves to see old hams shine in new roles, and loves David Kelley. Still, it doesn't bode well for Anthony LaPaglia, who is up against 'The Practice's James Spader in his own category. I'm going with LaPaglia, but it wouldn't shock me if bad taste won out.BD:
I think The Kumars at No. 42 is extremely funny.Do you know how much of the show is scripted and how much is improvised?

Robert Bianco:
My understanding is that the opening portion is scripted, but the talk show is pretty much all improvised, although that doesn't mean the actors aren't given some questions in advance.London England:
What did you think of Desperate Housewives?

Robert Bianco:
Assuming you mean the show, I love it. I'd put it up with 'Lost' as the best of the season.Portland, OR:
Hi Robert. Isn't it amazing how many talented television people started out at another profession? Gene Rodenberry, David E. Kelly, Brad Meltzer (Jack & Bobby), Dennis Farina just to name a few. Also, I know you gave up on it a while ago, but did you actually ever watch any of the final two seasons of Drew Carey? I'll admit it slumped in years six and seven (what sitcom hasn't hit a slide during it's run?), but seasons eight and nine were brilliant, funny and enjoyable. A nice comeback and finish amidst the over hyped lackluster Friends finale and terrific Frasier finale.
Thanks for your time.

Robert Bianco:
You're welcome - but I'm afraid we'll have to agree to disagree on 'Drew.' I did check in on the show, and just found it to be like watching the dead walk. I was a huge fan of the show, and I'm still a fan of its star (something Carey himself doesn't seem to believe) - but the show didn't just slide, it cratered.Altanta, Georgia:
Hey, Robert. I was looking forward to Thursdays on FOX @ 8 & 9pm on November 4 but now I am disaapointed that FOX has delayed the season two premiere of "Tru Calling" to allow "North Shore" to extra exposure from the "O.C." Do you know a reason behind this?

Robert Bianco:
I think it's more a case of burning off 'North Shore' in one of the network's death spots while saving 'Tru Calling' for January, when 'Idol' at least gives Fox a better promotional platform.Grand Rapids, MI:
Have you seen the show Rescue Me? It is very good and is now my favorite show along with Scrubs. Who knew that Denis Leary was such a good actor. I loved the movie The Ref that came out a long time ago with Leary in it, but most of his other movies weren't that good. I think Rescue Me is a good fit for his sense of humor and type of acting. What are your thoughts on the show?

Robert Bianco:
Big fan, of the show and the star. I'm also a 'Ref' fan - and you know, there aren't that many of us out there.Detroit, MI:
I saw the season premeire of the apprentice and it seemed to me that it might not be as good as season one. Also saw Joey and it wasn't bad, but i hope it gets better. I even caught a show called Jack and Bobby on Monday on the WB and thought it was the lamest show i have seen in years. What are your thoughts on any or all of these shows Robert?

Robert Bianco:
I didn't notice any particular change in quality on 'The Apprentice' - it may just be one of those shows that wears out its welcome quickly. I agree on 'Joey': A good show that I hope improves. As for 'Jack,' though, I like the series and I'm hoping it can survive in a very competitive Sunday time slot.West Hollywood, CA:
I really loved "Whoopi". I think GE gave her the shaft because GE had pending rulings before the supposedly non-partisan FCC. Hopefully, it will come out on DVD soon. Also, love her company's "Strong Medicine", one of the better dramas on TV. What can we expect from Whoopi next?
Also, do you think the networks have feared the wrath of this administration, essentially creating an atmosphere of censorship?

Robert Bianco:
I think fear of the FCC has led the networks to clamp down on language and partial nudity. I don't think it's fear of the government, however, that accounts for the networks' fear of 'Whoopi'-style political humor. We're an incredibly divided nation at the moment, and the divisions are as bitter as they've been in decades. Any political joke is almost certain to offend half the audience, and the networks aren't in the position at the moment to risk alienating that many viewers.Fairfax, VA:
I've been seeing the ads for "Lost," and I think it's great that they're remaking the old Saturday morning show. But I haven't seen the Sleestacks in any of the ads. Are they some sort of fantastic CGI creation in this version?

Robert Bianco:
I take it you mean 'Land of the Lost,' right? Assuming you do, and on the off-chance you're not kidding: Sorry, no Sleestacks. The two shows have nothing in common other than the word "lost" in their titles.Dallas, TX:
Robert, I'm a little surprised after "The Amazing Race" has caught on this summer in its Tuesday time period that CBS hasn't considered running the next edition in that same time slot and holding off "Judging Amy" for a few weeks instead of dumping "Race" off on Saturdays. I would think the momentum it has gained would hold on through the fall on Tuesdays even though a die hard like myself would watch it if it were on at 3 in the morning on a Sunday. Last night was sooo good. I know you've been writing off the addition of the "yield" this year as an unnecessary potential for conflicts and I agree with you but watching arrogant Colin and Christie be the yieldees at time in the race when the move actual made much strategical sense was absolutely satisfying.

Robert Bianco:
I apologize, because this will mean nothing to non-'Race' fans, but 'My ox is broken?' Really, how fabulous was that last night?
As for your question, though - yes, 'Race' did surprisingly well in this slot over the summer. But in a few weeks, it would be running against new episodes of 'L&O:SVU' and the well-promoted return of 'NYPD Blue' in its last season. Yes, fewer people will watch on Saturday, but that also means CBS's ratings expectations will be considerably, and perhaps more safely, lower.Troy, MI:
So who do you think deserves the emmy for Supporting Actress in a comedy? I think Cynthia Nixon has been fabulous throughout her run on 'Sex' and gave some of the best performances in her show this year. Catrell was good but only for the latter 8 episodes.

Robert Bianco:
I'm with you. My bet is Cattrall's hissy fit over the 'Sex' movie hurt her chances: Emmy voters hate to see jobs disappear. The problem remains, however, that all three 'Sex' stars are in this category, and they may end up splitting the vote. I wouldn't be surprised if that gives the Emmy to Doris Roberts - though I would be disappointed.Soho, NY:
So how good are the chances for our fabulous Ms. Sarah Jessica PArker to get her long overdue Emmy? OR should I be prepared to have my remote in my hand to chuck at the TV if Patricia Heaton's name is called?

Robert Bianco:
I'd say "good" is the right word for her chances. Parker isn't a lock, but she is the favorite - and, I think, the right choice.Omaha, NE:
First of all, thanks for the recommendation of WB's "Jack & Bobby" on Sunday. What a fantastic pilot! Apparently, ABC has some great shows scheduled for the fall as well. You have always said you don't like to play Junior Programmer, but do you think these are the right shows to propel the long-flagging ABC network out of last place? While I am optimistic that this season will be a success due to the introducation of several high-quality new shows, I am hesitant to get too attached to the network's new series for fear of cancellation. Lately, ABC doesn’t exactly have the most stellar record in keeping promising new series on the air.

Robert Bianco:
Yeah, I know what you mean. Still, ABC has already launched an unusually heavy ad campaign for 'Lost' and 'Desperate Housewives,' which is a good sign. I think the network knows what it has in those shows, and knows they could be slow builds. I think, for once, you can expect to see signs of patience.Scottsdale, AZ:
I hate to pick on a TV historian like yourself, but I believe you incorrectly wrote in your Friday's Critic's Corner that EZ Streets was cancelled by ABC. Now I know ABC has been labeled by many as the Already Been Cancelled net, but I think the blame here should be placed on CBS. Along those lines, what Brilliant But Cancelled series do you wish Trio could resurrect?

Robert Bianco:
Yes, you're right, 'EZ Streets' was on CBS. In my own defense, I have to say that I didn't write that 'ABC' - it was inserted into the 'Corner' by a copy editor. But in fairness, I must also say that the editors catch far more mistakes than they make, and most of the errors are mine and mine alone. Just not this one.
What 'BBC' series do I want to see? There was a sitcom called 'All is Forgiven' in the 80s, with Bess Armstrong and Carol Kane, that I would love to see again - along with 'Brooklyn Bridge' and Linda Bloodworth-Thomason's pre-'Designing Women' show 'Filthy Rich.'Houston, Tx:
Hello Robert!!! Isn't it weird doing these chats on a Wednesday? On to my question, what are your thoughts on the Winners of the Guests Actors and Actresses in a Comedy or Drama Series? I was very happy that Laura Linnely won, but I sure that you were shock when Sharon Stone won a Emmy!!!

Robert Bianco:
It is a little odd, isn't it? Happy for Linney and yes, shocked that Stone won. Imagine how she must have felt.Bloomington, Il:
Hi Robert, Do you see 'Angels In America' sweeping all four acting categories? Also, does Jennifer Garner have a chance at Best Actress?

Robert Bianco:
Yes, and yes - but only a slight chance. Edie Falco and Amber Tamblyn are the strong favorites.Weymouth, MA:
There is no way that West Wing can win for Drama again. Who will win and why?

Robert Bianco:
First, don't be so sure. You never want to over-estimate the Academy.
Still, I think it's between 'Sopranos' and 'Joan of Arcadia.' Most people are going with 'The Sopranos' - but the voters have avoided it up to now, and I didn't see anything this season that would make them change their minds. So I'm guessing 'Joan.'Bainbridge Island, WA:
Homicide: Life on the Street is my favorite TV show of all time. What did you think of Homicide, and how do you feel about the fact that Homicide was never nominated for best dramatic series?

Robert Bianco:
I loved the first season of 'Homicide.' After that, new producers shifted the tone of the show, and they lost me.Arlington, VA:
Is this finally Janel Moloney's year? I think she is amazing as Donna on West Wing. I will be rooting for her!

Robert Bianco:
I got to tell you - you won't have many critics rooting with you. This should be Drea de Matteo's year, though there's a chance Robin Weigert from 'Deadwood' could slip past her.Charlotte, NC:
Hi Robert, I've been waiting for a week to ask this question. I was watching NBC's Today show coverage of the aftermath of Hurricane Frances last week and their on-the-spot "reporter" in Orlando was talking about the effect of the Hurricane on the resorts and amusement parks there. He concluded by saying that "some Disney parks have re-opened" and then went on to mention, by name, two Universal Studios parks that were open for business. I checked their website and sure enough, NBC and Universal are under common ownership. I know the TODAY show gets deserved knocks for being a promotional show for NBC's latest hype, but this was ridiculous. This was a reporter covering a major news event. I guess my question is: are you as outraged as I am?

Robert Bianco:
I'd have to see it for myself, but odds are even then I might not rise to outrage. Yes, NBC does use 'Today' shamelessly to hype every NBC/Universal project imaginable. But in this case, the Universal theme parks are major tourist destinations, and any 'Today' viewer who had plans to go to Florida probably wanted to know if they were open. If I thought the reporter purposely slighted the Disney parks to pump for the Universal parks, I'd be upset - but without having heard his report myself, I'm not ready to assume that's what happened. Sorry to make you wait a week, and then give you an answer you probably didn't want.Philadelphia:
Why was Ian McShaine of "Deadwood" passed over for an emmy nod? He was the best thing on TV since color(excuse the spellin go his last name)

Robert Bianco:
A lot of people agree with you. I wouldn't have given him the Emmy, but I would have nominated him over James Spader or Martin Sheen.Scranton Pa :
I think Courtney Cox deserved an Emmy nomination as quirky and obsessive Monica. Why do you think she was shunned for an Emmy nomination for the 9th straight year?

Robert Bianco:
That's so hard to say. I think she should have won in the year that first focused on Monica and Chandler's relationship, and was surprised she was overlooked. This season, though, wasn't her or the show's best.Tupelo, MS:
Robert - I enjoy your columns and look forward to your final Emmy predictions. I also really appreciate the fact that you contribute your awards analysis to the GoldDerby website where I post regularly. Everybody is completely sold on Anthony LaPaglia this year, but after seeing the five submitted episodes, I've got a gut feeling about a surprise James Spader win. What are your thoughts?

Robert Bianco:
I fear you could be right. I think LaPaglia deserves the award, but the Academy has always had a soft spot for over-the-top performances - and Spader certainly qualifies.cleveland, oh:
is it true "third watch" and jags will bothe be on at 9 on fridays? i love both--and no vcr.

Robert Bianco:
Yes, that's true. Me, I'll be watching 'Less than Perfect.'Graham, NC:
Hi Robert--Which nominated star do you think is most overdue for an Emmy this year and do you think they'll win?

Robert Bianco:
Sarah Jessica Parker and yes, I think she'll finally win.Knoxville, TN:
Are you surprised by the success of LAX? It didn't get great reviews, although I really enjoyed seeing Heather Locklear and Blair Underwood back on the screen, and thought the show overall was pretty entertaining.

Robert Bianco:
It didn't surprise me. They're two popular stars in a well-promoted show. But remember, it didn't air against an original episode of 'CSI: Miami.' Let's see how 'LAX' does against real competition.Windermere, FL:
As a big fan of Julie Andrews, I hope she wins in her catagory. How do you rate her chances?

Robert Bianco:
Oh my. I love Julie Andrews, too, but in this category, I think you have to think the nomination was prize enough. The strong favorite has to be Mary-Louise Parker from 'Angels.'cleveland, ohio:
Hi Robert. Who do you think the Emmy will go to for Actress in a Drama? It seems like a lot of the talk is going toward the girl from Joan of Arcadia.

Robert Bianco:
Could be Amber Tamblyn, but my bet is Edie Falco.Comment from Robert Bianco:
That's it for this week. Let's gather again Monday at the regular time and dissect Sunday's Emmys.